Feelings

1. うれしいです

   Ureshii desu

   I'm glad

   Usage

   Gladness about something that just happened — a good reply when someone has been kind to you

2. 幸せです

   Shiawase desu

   I'm happy

   Usage

   A deeper, lasting happiness than "ureshii" — also used lightly over very good food

3. おもしろいです

   Omoshiroi desu

   That's interesting / funny

   Usage

   Covers both "interesting" and "funny" — an all-purpose response to what someone tells you

4. わくわくします

   Wakuwaku shimasu

   I'm excited

   Usage

   Positive anticipation about what's coming. It's an onomatopoeic word, so it sounds soft and friendly

5. 感動しました

   Kandō shimashita

   I was moved

   Usage

   For being moved by a view, a performance or someone's hospitality — a strong compliment

6. ほっとしました

   Hotto shimashita

   I'm relieved

   Usage

   When a worry lifts — your lost item turned up, or you made it in time

7. 好きです

   Suki desu

   I like it

   Usage

   Used for things and people alike. Said to a person face to face it is a confession of love, so keep it to things and food

8. 会いたいです

   Aitai desu

   I miss you / I want to see you

   Usage

   For messages to people you are close to. Japanese has no single word for "miss", so this form is used

9. 悲しいです

   Kanashii desu

   I'm sad

   Usage

   For genuine sadness. For a cancelled plan, use "zannen desu" instead

10. 残念です

    Zannen desu

    That's a shame

    Usage

    The standard line for a cancelled plan or a sold-out item. Works about yourself or the other person

11. がっかりしました

    Gakkari shimashita

    I'm disappointed

    Usage

    When something fell short of expectations. Said to a shop assistant it reads as a strong complaint

12. 寂しいです

    Sabishii desu

    I'm lonely

    Usage

    Covers both the loneliness of being alone and the sadness of parting

13. 怒っています

    Okotte imasu

    I'm angry

    Usage

    States the fact without raising your voice — usually the most effective register when making a complaint

14. イライラします

    Iraira shimasu

    I'm irritated

    Usage

    Milder than "okotte imasu". Keep it for chat with friends, not for staff or officials

15. 怖いです

    Kowai desu

    I'm scared

    Usage

    For heights, earthquakes, a dark street. In real danger, lead with "tasukete kudasai" (help me)

16. びっくりしました

    Bikkuri shimashita

    I was surprised

    Usage

    Works for pleasant and unpleasant surprises alike. The formal version is "odorokimashita"

17. 心配です

    Shinpai desu

    I'm worried

    Usage

    About a person or about what lies ahead. "Shinpai shinaide" tells someone not to worry

18. 緊張しています

    Kinchō shite imasu

    I'm nervous

    Usage

    Before an interview, a talk or a first meeting. Saying it out loud usually eases the room

19. ストレスがたまっています

    Sutoresu ga tamatte imasu

    I'm stressed out

    Usage

    Japanese says stress "piles up". Useful at a massage shop to explain what you need

20. 恥ずかしいです

    Hazukashii desu

    I'm embarrassed

    Usage

    One word covering both shyness and the shame of having messed up

21. 照れます

    Teremasu

    I'm blushing

    Usage

    The reply when a compliment makes you bashful. Entirely positive and light-hearted

22. 退屈です

    Taikutsu desu

    I'm bored

    Usage

    Fine about yourself, but rude if said about someone's tour or exhibition

23. 疲れました

    Tsukaremashita

    I'm tired

    Usage

    After a long day on your feet. Follow it with "sukoshi yasumimasen ka" — shall we rest a bit?

24. 眠いです

    Nemui desu

    I'm sleepy

    Usage

    Jet lag is "jisaboke" — pair the two words to explain yourself

25. 元気です

    Genki desu

    I'm doing well

    Usage

    The standard reply to "o-genki desu ka". It covers both health and mood

26. 具合が悪いです

    Guai ga warui desu

    I don't feel well

    Usage

    The basic way to say you are unwell; use the body cards to show where

27. 落ち着きました

    Ochitsukimashita

    I've calmed down

    Usage

    To say you're all right again after a scare. You can also tell someone "ochitsuite kudasai" (please calm down)

28. ありがたいです

    Arigatai desu

    I'm grateful

    Usage

    Where "arigatō" is the act of thanking, this states that you feel grateful

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